If all goes according to plans, the construction of a new overpass bridge spanning Industrial Avenue as it meets with a Union Pacific Railroad line near the Santa Teresa port of entry could begin next year.
The Santa Teresa Intermodal Ramp is designed to both better facilitate the flow of traffic at the busy port, while also making it possible for vehicles to not have to stop at a railroad crossing.
Dona Ana County officials have long been interested in seeing the overpass built, spiriting an effort to apply for a $40 million grant that would come through a federal Department of Transportation program designed to eliminate railroad crossings.
The county, in return, is committed to providing $8 million in funding as part of a local match requirement.
That funding will more specifically come through the Federal Railroad Administration, under the auspices of the Transportation Department.
According to county records, the grant funding will also contribute to the expansion of the Westpark Logistics Center, which will “relieve a freight and logistics bottleneck.” In addition, the ramp will “eliminate the potential for rail/vehicular crashes.”
The Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program is funded at the level of $600 million a year for the next four fiscal years, paying for such efforts as bridge and tunnel construction, as well as track relocations and the installation of protective devices, signs, and signals to enhance safety at such crossings.
By Garry Boulard
